Description
Dear Customer,
When our first catalog went to print in the fall of 1978, we could not have imagined where we would be today. It was Dad’s intent to build a business that would eventually support as many as 20 staff. Clearly, we let it get out of control.
As we celebrate the completion of 40 years in business, it is hard not to notice the number of firms (and products) that have fallen by the wayside during that time: significant manufacturers such as Record Ridgway, Rabone Chesterman and W.H. Clay, which were anchors of our early catalogs. It is reassuring to note, however, there are still several firms from that first 90-page catalog that are represented in this one: E.C. Emmerich wooden planes, Henry Taylor carving tools and the Foredom electric power carver, among others.
What has not changed over time (at least for those reading this letter) is your recognition of the value and utility of good tools. Tools which, used with purpose and maintained well, should last at least a lifetime.
Our 30th and 35th anniversaries saw us release commemorative tools executed in stainless steel, first to add capability to our manufacturing repertoire (our stainless-steel edge plane), and later to make a premium version of a staple tool (our stainless-steel marking gauge). Both sold out very quickly (he wrote, foreshadowing).
This year, we mark the occasion with two new tools: the delightful pocket plane shown on the back cover, and later this fall, a dual marking gauge in stainless steel. We are confident that these two new tools will not only last a lifetime, but will also become favorites to use.
Thank you for your past custom, and just wait until you see what we do in the next 40 years!
Cheers,
Robin C. Lee President